My November, 2013, interview with Frank, from the Angers SCO FC website.
Can you introduce us to Chonburi FC and their current season?
Chonburi FC play in the Thai Premier League and have just finished the current 2013 season in third place. We were knocked out of the FA Cup in the 3rd round and in the quarter finals of the League Cup. The two teams who beat us in those competitions - Bangkok Glass and Ratchaburi, respectively - both went on to reach the finals.
What glorious things have they done in the past?
In 2005 we were promoted to the TPL from the Pro League as champions. Two years later, we became the first provincial team to win the TPL title. In 2006 we were runners up in the Singapore Cup and were the first foreign club to reach the final. In addition, we have won the Kor Royal Cup on four occasions (2008,2009, 2011 & 2012), the FA Cup once (2010) and reached the semi finals of the AFC Cup in 2012.
What is the level of the Thailand championship in comparison to the neighbours?
I would say that the standard in the TPL is higher than that of Thailand's closest neighbours - Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and The Philippines but we are still a long way behind the likes of Korea, Japan and China.
Did French players play in Chonburi FC and what do you recall from them?
Geoffrey Doumeng played for Chonburi last season. He was a hard working, box to box midfielder but, for my money, he didn't score enough goals. Having said that, I also think he suffered from not getting an extended run in the team. He seemed to be in for a couple of games and then sidelined again. We also had David LeBras in our squad a few years ago. However, he was a total disaster. I think he managed to fall out with most of his team mates and the coaching staff and was soon sold on. In 2012 we had Thomas Dossevi on our books. He scored five goals in fourteen appearances but couldn't really be considered a success.
Our former forward Ivan Boskovic played for Chonburi FC. When and how did you recruit him?
Ivan came to our attention following his two performances for Nasaf against us in the 2011 AFC Cup competition. We signed him at the start of this season.
When did he leave and for which club?
He left during the transfer window in July. He is currently "on loan" at our local rivals SriRacha, who play in the Thai Division One.
What were his stats this season and what did the fans think of him?
He played twelve games for us and scored five goals. I think that he got a rough deal from the coach - who clearly didn't rate him - and we never really played to his strengths. The fans seemed to like him but he wasn't around long enough for us to form any particularly strong bonds. I wish him luck wherever his career takes him next. I'm sure he could have a successful career in Thailand, if he finds the right club.
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